INDIA IS NOW A TECH MAKER FROM A TECH TAKER

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union minister of communications tells Neeraj Thakur and Parth Singh how India is taking the lead in 6G technology and the changes he is pushing at India Post.

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You recently said that after following the world in 4G and advancing in 5G, India is set to lead in 6G. What gives you this confidence?

Before any technology is implemented, standards are set. This was true for GSM [Global System for Mobile Communication], 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and now 6G. Historically, India has not been part of the standard-setting process.

However, for the first time with 5G, India introduced a statement into the standard-setting protocols at ITU [International Telecommunication Union] and 3GPP [3rd We proposed 5Gi, which emphasised that any technology adopted should benefit every individual across geographies.

This paper was accepted. Regarding 6G, you're aware that the prime minister introduced the Bharat 6G Vision in late 2022, followed by the establishment of the Bharat 6G Alliance [B6GA]. The alliance comprises seven working groups. We have set an ambitious target: India aims to contribute 10% of the patents in the 6G standard-setting process.

Could you elaborate on the work that is underway?

Each working group within the B6GA includes members from various contributory segments. Additionally, we have established 100 5G test labs to explore 5G use cases. For 6G, we have set up a six-gigahertz test bed and an advanced optical communication test bed to work on potential streams for 6G technology.